PIC!!!

PIC is done!!!

Today was an interesting day and one that I won’t forget anytime soon. Today was PIC (Provincial Iraqi Control). Today was a significant day because now this providence is responsible for its own security. It doesn’t mean we are leaving or going anywhere but it allows them to take charge of most things. The U.S. and Coalition forces won’t go anywhere for awhile but it is a monumental step for Iraq becoming independent.

My task for the day was to escort Rear Admiral Buss throughout the day’s events. We had a plan all set in place for how things were to go off, but that all changed once all of the general officers hit the ground. Their helicopters arrived at about 0745 and on them were Lieutenant General Austin (3 star) Major General Oates (2 star) and Rear Admiral Buss (1 star). They also had an ambassador of sorts. I guess once you become an ambassador you retain that title forever. So what she was an ambassador of I don’t know. With Admiral Buss was a British officer, I only remember his first name it was Nick. Nick had all of the paperwork that had to be signed by the governor and General Austin.

As they all got off the helicopters I was thinking man that is a big dude. The big dude was the “Big Dude”, it was General Austin. He’s tall black man that would not be out of place as a NFL linebacker. General Oates and Admiral Buss were both about 6’2” and General Austin made us all seem small in comparison. I wonder how General Petraus feels when he is standing around with these guys. Petraus is on the short side at only 5’4” or 5’5”

So the day starts out with me introducing myself to Admiral Buss. He is a very personable man and was very easy to keep happy. Some general officers are very high maintenance, I was thankful he was not. I found out that Admiral Buss was a fighter pilot and we talked about the irony of bombing something then becoming responsible for fixing it.

The original plan was to go to city hall and sign the documents and eat lunch. The actual plan had us go down to the center of town and participate in the ceremony which included a parade and some demonstrations of the police and army capabilities. We all then headed to City hall and had lunch.

There are many things that I will remember about today. Oddly enough the announcer for the ceremonies and the parade will stick in my mind. I say oddly because I only understood about 2 words the entire time. The thing I will remember is the pitch and the fervor in his voice. He had me excited and I didn’t know what the hell he was saying. The overall enthusiasm by the participants and the crowd was very tangible. You could tell this was a big deal for them and meant a lot.

It was really an honor to be there and part of something I believe to be a significant event, and milestone in Iraq becoming an independent stable nation.

As usual it was hot, very hot. By the end of the day you couldn’t touch anything without burning yourself. I had taken my glove off for some reason and grabbed my pistol to clear it and almost dropped it because it was so hot. It’s odd that you have to wear gloves because everything is to hot to touch. Bare metal is really unbearable to touch, even if it is in the shade. If it is in the sun it is downright painful and can cause burns.

I could write a small book on today but honestly I am tired and think for the first time in a long time I will sleep well tonight. I can count on one hand the time I have been asleep before 2400.